Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Full-Day Kindergarten and Half-Day Kindergarten?
The Full-Day and Half-Day programs cover the same curriculum. Full-Day runs from 8:30am-2:50pm. The Half-Day program for runs from 8:30-12:00. The extra time of the Full-Day program allows us to enrich the curriculum and provide students with Unified Arts daily by a specialist in that field who conducts lessons based on specific curriculum standards.
Families of students in the Half-Day program should take advantage of this additional time with their child to participate in social, physical, and educational activities, such as the public library, storytime, and arts and crafts projects, with a focus on fine motor skills.
Why do I pay tuition for Full-Day Kindergarten?
The town has the legal responsibility to provide Half-Day Kindergarten. The Full-Day Kindergarten tuition pays for part of the teacher’s salary.
Where do I send my payments for Full-Day Kindergarten?
Payments for the Full-Day Kindergarten are due the first of each month and should be mailed directly to Millis Public School / Attn Business Office 245 Plain Street Millis, MA 02054 or paid online using Unipay which is found on our website. Please note monthly invoices are not sent to families.
What happens if I fall behind in my tuition payments?
Your tuition payments are an important part of paying for the extended day of the Kindergarten teacher. If an unforeseen emergency happens and you will be late with your monthly payment, contact the business office (508-376-7000) as soon as possible. Families who do not honor their tuition commitment MUST contact the business office as soon as possible for an alternative payment plan. You will be notified by email when you fall behind on tuition.
When will my student learn who his/her teacher is and meet the teacher?
Placement letters will be sent to families during the summer once placements have been determined. We are planning opportunities for students and families to meet the teacher in person at the start of school. After receiving your placement letter, the teacher will mail you a schedule and information about opportunities to meet.
What is Kindergarten Screening?
Every student in Massachusetts is screened before entering Kindergarten or shortly thereafter. Millis Public School uses the ESI-K Early Screening Inventory-Revised. Students will be screened by CFB staff. The screening will take place in May. The student's height and weight are measured during the screening process by the school nurse.
How do I communicate with my student’s teacher?
There are numerous ways to communicate with your student’s teacher. A weekly newsletter goes home to update you on class and school events. You can communicate directly with your student’s teacher through notes and emails. If you need to talk to your student’s teacher via the phone, it is best to email the teacher directly to coordinate a time.
May I volunteer in my student's classroom?
Yes. You may volunteer in your student's classroom as requested by the classroom teacher. All classroom volunteers must be CORIed through the Superintendent's Office.
Do Kindergarten students receive report cards?
Yes. You will receive report cards for reporting terms during the year and will have a conference with your student’s teacher in November and March.
Why does my Kindergarten student have homework?
Homework helps to reinforce the activities learned at school and set the tone for the later years as homework time increases. Homework should be fun!
What kinds of activities should I be doing with my student to get them ready for Kindergarten?
Read, read, and read to/with your student with an aim of 20 minutes a day. Really, it’s easy. Think of it before your child goes to sleep at night, waiting at dentist/doctor appointments, and books that are made for bathtubs. Be creative and have fun. Other activities are: exposing your student to nursery rhymes and chants; exposing your student to coins, counting/number games, fine motor activities (cutting, coloring, painting, crafts); engaging in gross motor activities (climbing, balancing, pedaling, etc.); encouraging imaginative play both indoors and outdoors.
How does the School Communicate?
Our primary method of communication is our CFB Family Bear's Den sent directly to the parent/guardian email address entered on your student's online registration.